Summary: <p>1. We mentioned 3 things that we tend to turn into an either/or instead of a both/and. Which do you tend toward:<br>A. Emotion or intellect? Please explain.<br>B. My faith is an individual thing or I'm only spiritual when I'm in a certain community? Please explain.<br>C. Withdrawal into isolation (personal time w God) vs. sacrificial service?<br><br>Read the following:<br>reality.<br>Jonathan Edwards wrote this in his diary, “Once, as I rode out into the woods for my health, in 1737, having alighted from my horse in a retired place, as my manner commonly has been, to walk for divine contemplation and prayer, I had a view, that for me was extraordinary. That must have been something of the glory of the Son of God, as Mediator between God and man, and his wonderful, great, full, pure, and sweet grace and love, and meek and gentle condescension.<br>This grace, that appeared so calm and sweet, appeared also great above the heavens. The person of Christ appeared ineffably excellent, with an excellency great enough to swallow up all thought and conception—which continued, as near as I can judge, about an hour; which kept me the greater part of the time in tears, and weeping aloud.<br>I felt an ardency of soul to be, what I know not otherwise how to express, emptied and annihilated; to lie in the dust, and to be full of Christ alone; to love him with a holy and pure love; to trust in him; to live upon him; to serve and follow him; and to be perfectly sanctified and made pure, with a divine and heavenly purity. I have, several other times, had experiences of very much of the same nature, and which have had the same effects."<br><br>2. What are your thoughts on this experience?<br><br>3. Have you ever had a similar experience? Please share.<br><br>4. Do you believe an experience like this is possible for you? Please dig deep here and be honest.<br><br>5. Please read Ephesians 3:14-21.<br>According to this text what do you envision Paul praying for you, what would Paul like to see happen in your spiritual walk with Jesus?<br><br>6. We mentioned 4 things:<br>A. Spiritual Preparation- You have to want to experience what Paul is talking about, and not be satisfied where you are at.<br>B. Gospel Comprehension- understanding more and more all that Jesus did for you on the cross and how much He loves you.<br>C. Truth Meditation- Here is an important meditation question to ask yourself, "If I really believed what I just read in the Scripture, how would I be different?"<br>D. Full Commitment- you have to call it out when you are being double-minded.<br><br>Which do you struggle with?<br><br>7. Please describe yourself in 1 to 5 years, what you will look like if you continue growing into the person That more and more reflects the image of Jesus. Dream big here. This should include little and big things. What do you want God to do in your life. Speak it out loud and share it with your group. Everyone should participate.<br><br>8. Please direct these responses to prayer. Pray Paul's prayer for each other as specifically as you can.</p>
